The Rockdale News Feb. 21, 2015 Vol. 6 Issue 45 by The Covington News

the NEWS

Feb. 21, 2015

Volume 6, Issue 45

a conversation with

BRITTANY EVANS Page 10

Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

rockdalenews.com

‘ANYTHING TO STIMULATE THE SHOPPING CENTER, I’M ALL FOR IT’

Property owners, business managers react to potential Enterprise Zone designation See full story on PAGE 3

A VETERAN’S STORY

ANOTHER SOLDIER COMES HOME PAGE 6

CJ Elementary coach killed, boyfriend charged with murder By Martin Rand III

mrand@rockdalenews.com Like us at facebook.com/ rockdalenews Follow us @rockdalenews

The C.J. Hicks Elementary School faculty, students and staff will have a heavy heart when they return to school next week as they mourn the death of one of their own. Candace McGriff, a physical education teacher at the school for the last four years, was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon in her apartment located in the 1800 block of Concepts 21 Drive in DeKalb County. Her 30-year-old fiancé, Antio-

ne Hood, has been charged with felony murder. On Tuesday, DeKalb County Police Department officers responded to the scene around HOOD 1 p.m. to find 28-yearold McGriff laying face up on the bedroom floor on the right side of the bed with one bullet wound in the middle of her chest, according to the police report. She

See MURDER PAGE 9

CANDACE MCGRIFF

The News

2 • Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015

What’s Trending MOST-VIEWED STORIES

rockdalenews.com

FEB. 14-20

UPDATED: CJH Elementary coach killed in DeKalb home, fiancé charged with murder City, county to boost development at Salem Gate 2nd Whitehead twin pleads guilty to manslaughter

2 3

Meeting Place Board of Education budget hearing for public input, Thursday, Feb. 26, 6:45 p.m., 954 N. Main St. Board of Education called voting meeting, Thursday, Feb. 26, 7p.m., 954 N. Main St.

Correction The winner of the 2015 Rockdale County Spelling Bee, pictured in the Feb. 14 edition, was Memorial Middle School student Brandon Hong. The Rockdale News regrets the error. The News intends to promptly correct all factual mistakes. If you find an error, please report it by calling 770728-1437.

the NEWS 1009 Milstead Ave., Ste 200, Conyers, 30012 www.rockdalenews.com

Office 770-787-6397 FAX 678-253-5988 News Tips: 770-728-1437, news@rockdalenews.com Advertising: 770-728-1436 Circulation: 770-728-1414 The News (USPS pending) is published weekly on Saturday, for $32.00 a year (plus tax) for home delivery, or $33.92 by mail per year by Covington Newspaper Company, Inc., 1166 Usher Street., Covington, Ga. 30014. Periodicals postage paid at Covington Ga. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The News, P.O Box 1249, Covington, GA 30015

Rockdale, Heritage high schools named AP Honor Schools Heritage and Rockdale County high schools were named 2015 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods. "We are proud of our teachers, students and administrators for continuing to emphasize rigorous coursework which shows through these outstanding results," said Superintendent

Richard Autry. "We have made it a priority to provide an increased number of AP class offerings as well as additional support to students over the past several years. Many of our students also choose to participate in Dual Enrollment for college credit while in high school. Whether taking AP courses or Dual Enrollment classes,

our students participating in these courses will leave high school with an advantage as they move forward after graduation." Both Heritage and Rockdale were recognized in the AP Access and Support and the AP STEM categories. Rockdale County High School was also recognized in the AP Merit and AP STEM Achievement categories.

For more, go to rockdalenews.com

News Briefs

First State of the County breakfast March 5

By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Rockdale County will hold its state of the county address in a new format with a stakeholders’ breakfast on March 5 and a community evening address on March 12. Rockdale County Chairman and CEO Richard Oden will present to citizens, businesses and other community stakeholders a review of 2014 and his vision for 2015 at the county’s first-ever State of the County Breakfast, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce. The breakfast will be held Thurs., March 5, 8 a.m., in the Springfield Baptist Church atrium, 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers, 30013. Admission to the breakfast is $25 per person or $250 for a table of 10 seats. Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit www.councilforqualitygrowth.org or contact Amanda Crater at ac@councilforqualitygrowth.org or 770-8133370.

Oden will then address the community at large during a free event on Thurs., March 12, 6 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Services Community Room, 981 Taylor St., Conyers, 30012. The 2014 Charles P. Cole Citizen Involvement Award will be presented to a citizen selected by Oden as representing dedication of time and energy to the Rockdale community. The evening presentation is free and open to the public. No RSVP is needed.

Hands Across Rockdale seeks projects for April 18

It’s all hands on deck as the annual Hands Across Rockdale community service event seeks community projects for the day of community service on Saturday, April 18 Project applications and submissions are now being accepted for the event and organizations are encouraged to go to www. handsacrossrockdale.com to register or for corporate sponsorTickets

$PE3R C.H0IL0D Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts

ship. The deadline is February 24. Organizations may register their own project with the focus on being a collaborative effort throughout the community of service to others. The leadership of the Hands Across Rockdale project, organized by Leadership Rockdale and the Conyers-Rockdale

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The News

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 • 3

Property owners, business managers react to potential Enterprise Zone designation By Martin Rand, III

mrand@rockdalenews.com

Even though it’s been a long time, Patrick Parker can still remember the better days of the Salem Gate Shopping Center, 1355 Iris Drive, Conyers. There was once a large grocery store, he recalls, a Food Depot, and even a movie theater – Conyers Salem Gate Cinema – in the area that kept a lot pedestrian traffic coming through Salem Gate. But, with the grocery store and the theater closing down not too long, things haven’t been the same. Rows and rows of empty parking spaces reflect the lack of business happening at the bleak shopping center. “This used to be one of the major shopping centers,” said Parker. “It’s been empty for a couple of years now. I have no idea (what happened to it).” Parker works at Flooring & Tile Superstore, 1295 Iris Drive, Conyers, located in the Salem Gate Shopping Center. The Superstore is one of the anchor businesses in the shopping center occupying 29,000-square-feet of space, the largest space by square footage in Salem gate. For 19 years Parker has been a manager of the store, and he wouldn’t mind seeing other businesses relocate to the near deserted shopping area to rejuvenate the once active site. So when Parker read about the city’s plan to purse establishing an enterprise zone, which could potentially spur redevelopment of an area by giving businesses certain tax credits, at that location, he was pleased. “Anything they can do to stimulate the shopping center I’m all for it,” he said. An enterprise zone, enacted in 1997, is a program under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that gives busi-

nesses a number of tax reduction or abatements, including property and occupation taxes, regulatory and building inspection and other fees. School taxes, sales and use taxes and taxes imposed for general obligation debt are excluded. Only certain kinds of businesses are eligible to participate in the program, including retail, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, residential construction, daycare providers, finance, real estate, insurance, tourism, research and development, telecommunications and processing. Westmont, Illinois-based TriLand Properties owns the Salem Gate Shopping Center. The company, which has owned Salem Gate since 2006, specializes in revitalizing unoccupied shopping centers and then selling them for a profit. On the company’s website, under large letters surrounded by a red banner that reads, “JOIN THE FUTURE OF SALEM GATE,” is a sketch of a proposed site plan for a remodeled shopping center. On the sketch, the smaller business units on the property would be eliminated and replaced with larger, wider individual units. The parking lot would get an increase in parking spaces and new structures would be built on unused land. A manager working in Salem Gate, who spoke under condition of anonymity, responded with a resounding, “Yes,” when asked if the business would support any improvements Tri-Land wanted to make. “We’d like to see some more businesses in the shopping center,” the manager said. “The parking lot needs to be resurfaced, restriped.” The manager would also be open to moving the business from its current location “as long as they give us enough notice” before any type of raze occurred. The unit where Flooring &Tile

Superstore is located, which currently has seven separate units on the same block as it, is substantially bigger in the sketch, taking up most of the block with only three units able to fit on the remaining space. “We don’t necessarily need any more space,” Parker said. “If that means we need to go bigger or smaller, we’re game for whatever they want to do. Anything that will increase traffic in the shopping center, we’re all for it.” The expanded space could also signify that Tri-Land developers would like to bring in a national franchise tenant to anchor the redeveloped shopping. “We’d rather not move,” said Parker. “It would take a long time to move all the stuff in the store.” Parker would rather help bring new life to Salem Gate and be a part of the restoration process. “The land’s going to get used for something whether they bulldoze everything and put something new up, or they bulldoze it and put apartment complex up or whatever,” he said. “It’s going to get used for something, so like I said, we’d rather be a part of the plan.” Attempts to contact representatives for Tri-Land were not returned by press time. Businesses in the Stoneway Pla-

za, located directly adjacent to Salem Gate, approve of any remodeling that needs to be done as well. Joaquin Gutierrez, manager for Gutierrez Computers Inc., says any revitalization efforts are a “good thing” for the area “as long as they don’t charge us

more for the rent.” Gutierrez Computers Inc., 1365 Iris Drive, Conyers, is located in the Stoneway Plaza, which is owned by Atlanta-based S&S Hale Properties. Sam Hale, owner of S&S Hale, said that when he originally bought the property in 2006, he

did so thinking that he would “ride the coattails” of Tri-Land as they were planning a massive redevelopment for Salem Gate. The economic crash shortly thereafter put a halt on the process. “The tenants they thought they had lined up just all went away,” he said. “I’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for them, but I’m at a point where I just need to move forward with redevelopment.” Hale says that he’s been in discussions with businesses to bring them to Stoneway Plaza, but he knows he needs to make some changes to the area to get a major tenant in there. The roads around the area, the parking lot and the canopy of the property need to improve he says. If the property does end up being in an enterprise zone, that can only help his efforts, he says. “Yeah, I would be all about that,” Hale said. “I think in general most landlords would love to see help from local municipalities.”

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The News

4 • Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015

CRIME BRIEFS

Social media meet turns into armed robbery By Michelle Kim

mkim@rockdalenews.com

A shootout last week left one Atlanta resident without $1,000 and landed a female teenager in jail. Conyers resident Jazmyne Booker-Mitchell, 17, is being charged with armed robbery and theft by taking, a felony, for her alleged role she played in helping two male suspects rob the 24-year-old male victim. Sometime shortly before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, the victim went to meet up with Booker-Mitchell. He couldn’t find the exact address that was given to him by Booker-Mitchell, but was able to pick her up at a block in the Country Lane Drive area. She reportedly told him “not to park in her driveway because her brother was home and she wanted to enter her house without her brother knowing (he) was with her,” wrote the reporting deputy. After driving for a short while, the victim says he parked in the 1300 block of Country Lane Drive, and both got out of the vehicle and began walking. At that point, two males approached them with guns drawn and told the victim to “give me what you have.” The victim told the assailants that he didn’t have anything to give and then drew his firearm, according to the deputy’s report. The victim says they fired shots at him, so he fired one or two shots back. No was injured during the exchange of gunfire. The victim was chased to JH House Elementary. “Once there one of the males told him, ‘You have to get your car, this is my neighborhood,’ before both males left,” the deputy wrote. The victim then told deputies that he then went to a house in the 2800 block of Ga. Highway 20 to call law enforcement. When the RCSO deputy arrived on the scene, he transported the victim back to the 1300 block of Country Lane Drive where his vehicle was parked.

The victim’s 2011 Jeep Compass was not in the place the victim had parked, but shards of broken glass and his cellphone case that was located in the vehicle were found on the ground. His vehicle was later found in the nearby cul-de-sac of Country Brook Court. The victim says that $1,000 in cash was located in the vehicle. The victim also reportedly had multiple condoms with him. Several items, including a gun magazine for the man’s firearm and his identification card which were both located in the man’s SUV, were found in Booker-Mitchelle’s residence at Country Lane Drive. Camp says the RCSO is still investigating the situation but haven’t been able to identify the other two suspects involved. Stolen vehicles recycled in Conyers An Atlanta man is in Rockdale County Jail for allegedly taking stolen cars out of other counties and then recycling them at the Newell Recycling Center in Conyers. James Cunningham, 40, is being charged with theft by taking, a felony, and 11 counts of theft by receiving stolen property for allegedly taking 11 stolen cars out of Fulton and DeKalb Counties and turning them over to the recycling center for scrap metal cash.

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The suspect was arrested Wednesday while driving in a 1999 Dodge Caravan, the twelfth stolen vehicle which he allegedly planned to turn to scrap metal. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office first suspected illegal activity happening at the Newel Recycling Center, 2314 Dogwood Dr., Conyers, after a DeKalb County man discovered his stolen vehicle was at the recycling center to be salvaged for parts Feb. 5. When deputies asked a recycling center employee about the stolen vehicle, “he stated a gentleman (by) the name of James Cunningham brought the vehicle and received a check to be recycled.” Upon furthering investigating, the RCSO discovered Cunningham had brought in ten other stolen vehicles for the same purpose. “We had a lookout for him at that point,” said RCSO Cpl. Michael Camp. Cunningham didn’t disappoint and was seen at the recycling center again bringing in another vehicle, at which point he was arrested. All the vehicles are older models, and it’s not known whether he was the person that actually stole the vehicles, says Camp. Unruly teens evicted from movie theater About 150 teens were escorted out of the Carmike Cinema early Sunday morning for unruly behavior.

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Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were working an off duty job at the theater called for assistance at the theater around 2 a.m. Feb. 16 as they escorted out “a large number of juveniles who were in the parking lot in front of the movie theater,” according to a Conyers Police report. CPD were called to the scene to help with the large crowd. While one juvenile was being placed in handcuffs, a crowd was forming around the deputy and CPD officers assisted in dispersing the crowd. “Most of the crowd was cooperative,” wrote the reporting officer, but one subject became “irate, yelling curse words, and attempted to shove me out of the way

to get back over to the RCSO deputy.” That juvenile was told to leave the area and the juvenile’s friends were trying to calm him down. But a few moments later, the juvenile reportedly spit on a CPD officer’s patrol car windshield. Officers put him in handcuffs after a struggle, and a crowd began forming, “shouting and cursing officers on the scene.” A .9 mm handgun with bullets, and a small bag of what appeared to be marijuana was found on the juvenile. The juvenile’s guardian was contacted and said she could not drive to pick up the juvenile due to recent surgery. Rockdale County Public Schools was out on winter break Feb. 16-20.

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Opinion the

NEWS

Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh

Editor Michelle Kim

pcavanaugh@rockdalenews.com

mkim@rockdalenews.com

Design Editor Sabastian Wee

Sales Director Annette Godwin

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Circulation Dir. Amanda Ellington

Comptroller Debbie Thompson

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Our Thoughts Lent

The official start of the Lenten season began this past week, and we have heard many of our friends and colleagues talking about what they were going to give up for the 40 days leading up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. It’s interesting that people who are not regular church goers still follow the tradition of performing some type of sacrifice during this period. During this Lenten season, instead of giving up something, plan to give back. Our food banks always can use food to help assist folks who are still having a hard time making ends meet for their families. In Rockdale, the Rockdale Emergency Relief Food Bank has been a lifesaver for many families because of your kindness. Last year, the food bank served 3,012 households and 8,655 individuals with over 71 tons of donated food. The items they need the most are Tuna Helper, elbow macaroni, spaghetti sauce, grits, peanut butter, jelly and of course anything else you may wish to bring. So this year, as your sacrifice for lent, visit your local grocery store, load up a few bags of groceries each week and donate to the food pantry. The Rockdale Emergency Relief is located at 350 Tall Oaks Drive in Conyers.

HAVE YOUR SAY We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. They should be limited to issues of public interest and may be edited for content, grammar, spelling and length. • Mail: Editor, The News, 1009 Milstead Ave., Suite 200, Conyers, GA 30012 • Email: news@rockdalenews.com

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 RockdaleNews.com/opinion Page 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Response to editorial on Probate Judge Reaction to editorial on Probate Judge in Feb. 14 edition: According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the presumption of the innocence of a criminal defendant is described as an assumption of innocence that is indulged in the absence of contrary evidence (Taylor v. Kentucky, 436 U.S. 478, 98 S. Ct. 1930, 56 L. Ed. 2d 468 [1978]). The phrase presumed innocent keeps judges and juries focused on the ultimate issue at hand in a criminal case; whether the prosecution has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the alleged acts. If these laws were

not in place anyone could besmirch the reputation of an innocent person and obstruct their service to a community. Imagine a country that tolerated a system that allowed people who do not agree with anything a person with Democratic, Tea Party or Republican ideals said or did. Again imagine if people with criminal backgrounds or political vendettas could simply say something/anything, loud, often and in print and be believed by the average person simply because it is in the newspaper. The people of the United States have rejected the alterna-

tive to a presumption of innocence, a presumption of guilt, being contrary to the principles of a free society. The writer of “Our Thoughts: Probate Judge” said, the personal shenanigans that are going on involving the Probate Judge has tarnished the trusted position. Has the Probate Judge been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that alleged crimes have been committed or is the court of public opinion in session making slanderous comments every other week to sway the uninformed reader? The writer also suggested that the Probate Judge take a leave of absence;

again I ask why, nothing has been proven against the Judge. Over the past few months hundreds of people including me have visited the Probate Judges office. We find the service of the Probate Judge’s office exceeded our expectations and are serving the citizens of Rockdale County. I end by challenging any citizen of the county to do your own research and visit your county Probate office, and then you will see excellent service delivered by a good and worthy servant of the county. David Dashing Rockdale County

EPD needs to protect South River The Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District (RCSWCD) is currently led by two duly elected and two appointed supervisors. Along with the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the District, established and empowered by a Federal mandate, works in cooperation with private landowners, local businesses and governmental entities to encourage the conservation of the state’s natural resources that are the basis for economic growth and prosperity. Aided by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, this effort ensures productive

lands and healthy ecosystems. Historically, the City of Atlanta has used the South River as an extension of its sewer system, never even aspiring to return the City’s waste to the river as it was taken. Many of us on the RCSWCD Board remember the South River in earlier years as an open sewer… with all the shameful unpleasantness. Beginning in the 1970’s, EPA regulations profoundly changed the River. The stench, the 3-feet-tall soap suds, grey-green water and, the incredible burden of sediment and pollution all but went away. The South River has made a remark-

able recovery… and more work needs to be done to eliminate trash, pharmaceuticals and fecal coliform from the river’s water. It is breathtaking to those of us on the RCSWCD Board that our State’s Environmental Protection Division is not just that… protecting the environment. Why would our state agency even entertain the notion of going backwards after so much hard won progress has been made? In Rockdale County, we now have a State Park that straddles this River and a multi-use path that travels the South River’s length through our county. Our

communities, particularly the young people, are taking a new interest in this lovely river with its rocky shoals, Mountain Laurel and broad white sand bars. It is the duty of the EPD, as it is the duty of the RCSWCD, to do all in its power to improve the quality of the water in our community. Do the right thing. Russell Tonning, David Shippe, Fox McCarthy, Eddie Shirey Rockdale County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors

Your reaction to “C.J. Hicks Elementary School physical education teacher Candace McGriff shot and killed, allegedly by her fiancé” Mary Allen: :’-( absolutely devastating. RIP dear one. Praying for your school, family, and friends

Keisha Long Cornwell: Excuse my language but damn!!! No telling what she has been going thru with this man.

Diona Davis Dent: So sad! Domestic violence has got to be put to an end!

Roxanne James: Wow! He tried to turn it on her?! He’s going to get what he deserves! May she sleep in peace. My gosh!

Mailem Reyes: How horrible! There’s no telling what she has been going through with that man. She was probably trying to end the relationship and he killed her so that a real man couldn’t have her. Let’s pray for everyone that knew her.

Dominique Jones: R.I.P. my kids will miss her dearly

Jane Stapp: Rest in peace Joan Siddon: Omg Destiny Williams: Vandeweghe Eye for an eye. Poor girl. Rest In Paradise. getting into trouble for years and needed help. Like I said it’s all just sad for the mom and the children. I feel for all involved. Stephany Hull Lewis: Wow. Just

Stacy Roper: I pray justice is served. Awful! My condolences to the family

Candace will be missed by her RCPS PE colleagues.

The News

6 • Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015

PETE MECCA COLUMNIST

y wife and I attended the funeral service Saturday for WWII Montford Point Marine Virgil Weems at Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough. The Montford Point Marines were all black, separated from white Marines in basic training at Camp Lejeune, NC. These ‘men of color’ served their country in time of war yet most American businesses would not serve them. German POWs incarcerated on American soil during WWII were often shepherded to local towns for an American meal in an American restaurant. Any black soldiers on the guard detail would have to wait outside the American restaurant while the enemy POWs ate American food. The wacky parody of that American reality is too deep to fathom. Virgil Weems’ funeral service was my first time to attend a black funeral in a black church, and attempts to pen a story on the experience eluded my talent. I struggled to find the right words to describe a black funeral at a black church because I’m white; simple and to the point. I deleted two rough drafts because the narrative was infiltrated with stereotype rubbish likened to a New York Times reporter tutoring Southerners on how to fry chicken or bake a pecan pie. Instead of gibberish, I decided to pen heartfelt honesty. So, here it is, and I pray my words show the proper respect to Virgil Weems, his family, and the church he loved so much. I was born and raised a Lutheran and will most likely push up grass as a Lutheran. Less formal than Catholic services, Lutheran liturgy is a mite too structured for most folks and a few of our hymns have often been labeled as non-narcotic sedatives. Religious formality is fine if devotion to your God requires conventionalism, but I know my dad had trouble staying awake during sermons. Then again, my dad could take a quick nap on a

ANOTHER

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COMES HOME cactus plant during a dust storm. Nonetheless, before Pastor Armstrong-Reiner calls for my excommunication, please allow a brief defense of my faith. Lutheranism implanted the basic rules of life into my personality: right against wrong, good versus evil, obey the Ten Commandments, always respect the cloth, and memorize the Lord’s Prayer. Lutherans do not ‘backslide’; we simply trip, fall down, and go ‘Boom’! Then we pick ourselves up, choose a better path, and with any luck use our God-given common sense not to flounder over the same obstacle lest one be accused of stupidity. Tolerance based on moderation is a Lutheran attribute, but the scarcity of joie de vivre in song and sermon could use a good God-inspired shot in the arm. No so at Shiloh Baptist Church. The spiritual message at Shiloh, in my unassuming opinion, is likened to a faith-inspired Physician of the Word checking a con-

gregation for vital signs. In other words, if you are not tapping your feet or clapping your hands or cutting loose a random “Amen!’ then you may need to check your pulse because odds are you are no longer among the living. Virgil Weems’ service was precisely what the funeral program indicated: ‘A Goinghome Celebration.’ Now, a few words about a share cropper, a man of faith, an unyielding father figure, and a Montford Point Marine. Let’s take a trip back in time, way back, to May 1, 1924. Virgil Weems is born in Locust Grove, GA, the eleventh of twelve children. Like his dad, Virgil sharecropped until he received a letter of ‘greetings’ from Uncle Sam. Share-cropping was demanding work for little financial return yet a necessary way of life and survival for generations of poverty stricken Americans. Virgil’s daughter, Dr. Mamie Smith, recalled when she was a child, “As a little girl I fol-

lowed my father in the fields while he plowed straight rows, one after the other. On occasion he would let me take a turn behind the plow but my rows zig-zagged all over the place. When I asked dad how he plowed so straight, he would always reply, ‘Pick out a spot in front of the mule and focus on that one speck. Don’t take your eyes off the goal. That will serve you well in life, too.’” Drafted into the Army, Virgil was the only one in his recruitment group chosen for the Marine Corps. He confessed during our interview over a year ago, “I didn’t even know what a Marine was. When I asked them why I was chosen, they said I was too smart to be in the Army.” Trained by the selected few, Virgil was dispatched to the Pacific for the retaking of Guam, the bloodbath called Iwo Jima, and the brutal decisive battle for Okinawa. Reflecting on these islands of horror, Virgil softly said, “It was a dreadful thing. I lost a lot of

friends on those islands, white and black. War is the equalizer, everybody bleeds the same color blood.” Honorably discharged in 1947, Virgil went home to raise a family and realize the American dream. Imagine the journey from being born into a share-cropping household, being sent across the vast Pacific Ocean to fight against an enemy most likely from impoverished backgrounds much like himself, then returning home to see a transformation long overdue in Civil Rights, acceptance, respect, and a long membership and deaconship in a church filled with love and grace. Imagine. Just imagine. Experiencing ninety one years of change, slow change in many cases, too fast of change in others, yet living to realize the dreams prophesied by the man from Selma come to fruition. Imagine, just imagine, the dreams of a share cropper, a father, a war veteran, a man of faith, a man most likely dreaming for his family and friends; not himself. Just imagine. Imagine, too, the passing of the last WWII veteran, the last member of the Greatest Generation. That day is rapidly approaching. Every ninety seconds America loses one of its Greatest, and with their passing all of us lose a piece of history, a piece of America, a piece of the American dream. Virgil told me the story of his Montford Point Marine journey, but the narrative was only a small part of his ninety one year journey. It’s true that young people possess the energy, but old people possess the experience, and the human experience, even in war, is the fabric that shapes mankind. Men like Virgil Weems have the experience to appreciate that the flipside of mankind is simply being a kind man. Photos of Virgil faded in and out on three large video screens at Shiloh Baptist Church. Alongside one photo of a young man in uniform were the words: Another Soldier Comes Home. I respectfully disagree with the first two words. Virgil Weems was not just ‘another soldier’…….he was a Marine, a Montford Point Marine. And Virgil was so much more than a ground pounder, he was a ground breaker. Can I get a witness? Pete Mecca is a Vietnam veteran, columnist and freelance writer. You can reach him at aveteransstory@gmail.com or aveteransstory.us.

The News

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 • 7 Pictured left to right: Vietnam veteran and Walk of Heroes Foundation Board Member Pete Mecca, Conyers City Councilman Chris Bowen, Vietnam veteran and Walk of Heroes Foundation Chairman Tommy Clack, veteran and Conyers Public Works employee Charles Drake and veteran Greg Grimes of Patriot Storage.

Conyers proclaimed

Purple Heart City By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Conyers officials proclaimed the city as a Purple Heart City in December 2014 and later this month, signs proclaiming it as such will be erected on city limit signs throughout the community thanks to a local donor. Councilman Vince Evans, after attending the Purple Heart ceremony for Major Patty Justice at the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial in December, learned of the Purple Heart City designation through Commander Doug Middleton of the Georgia Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. At the December 17, 2014 city council meeting, Conyers Mayor Randy Mills and councilmembers

proclaimed Georgia as a Purple Heart City. Funding for the signs was generously donated by veteran and local businessman Greg Grimes of Patriot Storage. City staff collaborated with Tommy Clack, chairman of the Walk of Heroes Foundation, to order and install street signs denoting Conyers as a Purple Heart City. “We are grateful for the service and sacrifices made by all of our veterans and those recognized as Purple Heart recipients in our country and this community,” said Mayor Randy Mills. “These signs are just one way we can publicly thank them and show our support. We are very appreciative of Mr. Grimes’ donation of the signs.”

The Purple Heart City signs will be installed by Conyers Public Works and Transportation employees along the following roadways: • Georgia Highway 20 at the Target shopping center • Pine Log Road near C.J. Hicks Elementary School • American Legion Road • Georgia Highway 138 at Centennial Olympic Parkway • Milstead Avenue • Green Street • Parker Road • Irwin Bridge Road • The north and south ends of Main Street

Honoring Our Trailblazers

We proudly celebrate the achievements of African American trailblazers during this time that we observe as Black History Month. Many have paved the way with their contributions to our country and inspire us even today. Let us honor and remember them for their bold courage.

obituary

Pamela Henry Wilson Ms. Pamela Henry Wilson, 75, of Conyers, Ga., passed away on February 15, 2015. She was born in Georgetown, Guyana to Egbert Lake and Elise Henry Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Gloria Henry. She retired from her daycare business in 2012 and spent the following years visiting PAMELA her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church WILSON of Conyers. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining and spending time with her loved ones. She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Selwyn Henry (Renee Henry) and Nigel Henry (Stefanie Henry); granddaughters, Janelle (Kelawn) and Holly; grandson, Colin; great grandchildren, Jamel and Nyema; nephew, Adrian; niece, Allison (Mark); great niece and nephews, Sydney, Tommy, Brandon, and Chandler and many other family members and close friends. Funeral services will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Randy Mattox officiating. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville, Ga. The family will receive friends on Friday February 20, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Donald Trimble Funeral Home, Decatur, Ga.

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Daniel Hale Williams First Black to develop and own a hospital, 1891

Ralph J. Bunche Diplomat,

First black to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, 1950

C. R. Patterson & Sons First Black owned Automobile manufacturing company, 1915

Mae Jemison

First Black female in space, 1992

Honorable Judge Charles K. Mays Rockdale County’s First Black Probate Judge Elected Nov. 6, 2012 - Present

Education

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 RockdaleNews.com Page 8

submitted photos/The News

Rockdale’s best readers take second place By Elizabeth Hwang, Ryan Gaylor news@rockdalenews.com

Rockdale County’s best readers from Lorraine Elementary School and Davis Middle School competed against other teams from the metro region Feb. 14 in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl at Clayton State University. Both schools placed second in their regional after competing against 14 teams and both will advance to the divisional competition today, Feb. 21. The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl is an annual competition and was founded by Helen Ruffin, a firm believer that “Children who read become adults who lead.” While serving on the Georgia Children’s Book Award Nominee Program in 1985, she envisioned creating a fun competition which would test students’ knowledge on the selected books. She hoped that students would realize how enjoyable books were and how it could have a positive impact on their lives. The competition consists of six rounds with 10 questions each. Two

teams of five students answer as many questions as they can during each round and the ultimate winner from the competition is determined by the total points gained during the rounds. Questions can come from any of the sixteen books listed in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Elementary Book List. Students are expected to be well versed in every book’s content. From the county level, two teams advance to the regional level and from there, two teams go on to division level. Davis Middle School’s team is led by Coach Carol Compton and is now in their fourth year of competition. When asked what she enjoys the most, she said, “I enjoy coaching the Reading Bowl team because it has given me an opportunity to meet and get to know many of the incoming sixth grade students. Additionally, I have a love of reading so I get to share this with others. I am one of the Health and Physical Education teachers at Davis so working with athletes is second nature to me. Reading Bowl

gives me an opportunity to work with academic athletes. These academic athletes have to train and put in plenty of hours of work and practice to be successful just like an athlete that is involved in a sport.” They have won three county championships and have advanced to the regional competition all four years. This is their second year placing at the regional level. The team’s favorite parts about reading bowl are discovering a variety of books and going to the competitions knowing they are well prepared to answer questions. Lorraine Elementary School’s team began in 2008 and is led by Coaches Beth Clark and Jan Mackinem. Students Ciara Devane, who has been on the team for two years, said, “In reading bowl, I like that it’s a team effort and it’s fun to talk about the books. I really like One for the Murpheys and The False Prince. It’s fun whenever we do reading bowl because afterwards even if we lose we always go out, and it’s fun to hang out with my friends.”

i, robot Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology students represented Rockdale on the national stage as the RMSST robotics team, “Ohms,” tied for third place in the world at the Zero Robotics Finals competition at Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Jan. 16. The team watched a live feed from the International Space Station as their code ran on autonomous robots located on the ISS. submitted photos/The News

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Education

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 RockdaleNews.com Page 8

submitted photos/The News

Rockdale’s best readers take second place By Elizabeth Hwang, Ryan Gaylor news@rockdalenews.com

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The News

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 • 9

MURDER

From FRONT PAGE

was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical first responders. Hood, who had called 911, told investigators that it was a self-inflicted wound. He was standing outside the apartment talking with a neighbor when first responders arrived. With a calm manner, he told police that McGriff shot herself because “he was attempting to leave her and she did not want him to leave,” according to the report. A handgun was located at the scene on the right side of the bed surrounded by male clothing, according to the report. Hood, who was the only person in the apartment with McGriff, was detained by police at the scene. After a few hours of further questioning with detectives at police headquarters, he was released, says DeKalb Police Capt. Steven Fore. However, the medical examiner’s report came back Thursday and determined the bullet wound could not have been self-inflicted. Hood was arrested Friday and booked into the DeKalb County jail. On Monday when school is back in session, parents and teachers face the difficult task of explaining to C.J. Hicks

Elementary students what happened to “Coach” McGriff. On the homepage of the school’s website, underneath a picture of McGriff, some suggestions were posted for parents to help explain the situation to their kids. They also offer the e-mails to two of the guidance counselors at the school. Superintendent Richard Autry said in an e-mailed statement, “We extend our sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Ms. McGriff. RCPS will provide the necessary support to the entire C.J. Hicks school community as we return from the break and mourn the loss of a teacher, friend, and colleague.” C.J. Hicks Elementary’s principal Nadine Campbell had glowing words about McGriff. “The C.J. Hicks family is heartbroken over the loss of our P.E. teacher, Ms. Candace McGriff. She loved our children, our staff and our school and we loved her.” Campbell says that McGriff, who has been employed at the school since January 2011, will be “greatly missed.” “She led our Fitness Club and taught us all how to build endurance, eat healthy, and lead a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family as well during this difficult time for all who knew her.” Reactions on social media ranged from shocked and horrified to heartbroken. Most

gave thoughts and prayers to her family. Tiana James wrote, “My child her PE teacher... how do explain that to a child with autism that her PE teacher is no longer with us.” Katina Cherie Humphries-Daniels wrote, “Wow, so sad and so young. She was a great P.E. teacher and always greeted u with a smile.” Once the news of Hood’s arrest and charges were confirmed, the reactions turned to the domestic violence of the situation. “Wow! He tried to turn it on her?! He’s going to get what he deserves! May she sleep in peace. My gosh!,” wrote Roxanne James. Mailem Reyes wrote, “How horrible! There’s no telling what she has been going through with that man. She was probably trying to end the relationship and he killed her so that a real man couldn’t have her. Let’s pray for everyone that knew her.” Visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, noon – 8 p.m., with visitation for family from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Rockdale Chapel of Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes, 1999 Ga. Highway 138, Conyers. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m., at Greenforest Baptist Church, 3250 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Interment will be at Kennedy Memorial Gardens in Ellenwood.

Walking the Red Carpet for RER By Staff Reports

news@rockdalenews.com

Hollywood’s biggest night is fast approaching, and Rockdale Emergency Relief is celebrating on Sunday, Feb. 22 with an evening full of Rockdale’s stars as they “Walk the Red Carpet for RER.” RER operates a county-wide food pantry, rent and utility assistance and much more for those struggling with financial instability and facing homelessness. This gala seeks to help RER meet their fundraising goals and keep up with the growing needs of neighbors in need in Rockdale. The inaugural fundraising event was inspired by Rockdale’s rapidly growing film and television industry. Sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000, or the “Blockbuster” level, to “Hollywood Mogul,” $2,500, “Studio Executive,” $1,000, “Independent Filmmaker,” $500, and “Rising Star,” $250. Sponsorships must be confirmed by Feb. 18. The event is from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Acuity Brands Lighting People Center at One Lithonia Way (off Lester Road). To RSVP or for more, email Irene.moore@rockdalerelief.org or Andrew.peabody@rockdalerelief.org

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The News

10 • Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015

A conversation with

BRITTANY EVANS The New Director of Main Street Conyers brings a focus on community service and collaboration As told to Michelle Kim Brittany Evans was named the new director of the Conyers Main Street’s new Director last fall. Evans comes to Conyers following four years in Sylvester, Ga. where she acted as the executive director for the Downtown Sylvester Main Street Program. Her time spent in southwest Georgia included successfully completing the two year process of Sylvester earning designation as an official Main Street Start-Up City by the Ga. Department of Community Affairs. Evans also launched a downtown local farmers market and coordinated other special events and festivals. She previously served as the Better Hometown director in Metter, Ga. Evans holds a 2007 Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a Master of Public Administration degree both from Georgia Southern University. Tell me about your background. How did you get started working in community organizations? (Grew up in) Jefferson County, which is close to Augusta, I graduated high school there. A small country town. From there I went to college (Georgia Southern University), to the City of Metter to the City of Sylvester. After I got my sociology degree, I knew I wanted to pursue (something in) my education. I knew I did not want to be a social worker. I decided what if I was to pursue working for the public sector and nonprofit organizations. The first nonprofit I worked for was Keep Bulloch Beautiful, when I was in Statesboro. That’s when I became aware of public education. Going out into the community, to offer here; I can find anything I need here. I’m grateful I doing surveys. That face to face contact that I got to have don’t have to go into Atlanta traffic everyday. with my neighbors and people in my community, that is what made me feel like I like my job. I wanted to stay in What are some of the things you see that you’d like to try and Metter, not go to the state or federal level, because we are tackle and move the ball forward? the front line, working for the people. I As part of the (Main Street Conyers enjoyed that. board) economic restructuring plan – Actually going out, meeting the we’re in the beginning stages of our Brittany Evans, 29 people, finding out what they offer, what plan – we’d like to see more retail here. Hometown: do they do, what do they specialize in, There’s some vacant spots in downtown find out what they want to do. Do they that need to get filled. We’re trying to Louisville actually have a voice? From there I learn develop a list with property owners. A this is an issue, or this is something we lot of merchants have expressed they’d Attended: can work with. I think this is how the ball like to see more events in downtown. keeps moving. You have to have input So I’d like to hit the ground running this Georgia Southern and feedback from the community, so year. Next year, maybe add a twist to University that stakeholders are invested. it. Some people have expressed they’d I’ve always been willing, if I don’t like a community garden or a farmer’s Family: know how to do something, to find market here. someone who does and get them all The objective is to bring people to Mother and three together so we can accomplish this misOlde Town, tourists for shopping and sion. I think it’s all about being a good dining. If we can create jobs along the older sisters people person and being able to adapt way, that would be awesome. Pets: and communicate with people from all Another thing would be more aesthetidifferent walks of life. cally pleasing signage. Develop our own dog Ginger I’m a small town girl - Louisville, it’s branding that all looks the same. That’s very, very, very small…. It’s those values something we could accomplish through of saying “Hey, how are you doing?” our Main Street Program. That’s one thing I had to get used to up here; not everyI feel like it’s all coming together. We have this big elebody waves. phant. The only way to eat that is one bite at a time. Also I really like it here in Conyers. I think we have so much you have to know, yeah, there’s all these other issues

“

I think it’s all about being a good people person and being able to adapt and communicate with people from all different walks of life.”

out there, but you can’t bite off more than you can chew. Sometimes you have to focus on one or two things at a time before you spread yourself out and you’re not able to finish anything. That, I’m trying to be realistic on. Who are some mentors you’ve had in your life? I wouldn’t get this far without mentors. The first boss I had, the city manager of Metter, Joseph Mosley, he saw something in me and took me under his wing and taught me everything. How to talk, dress, all the soft skills, how to be professional, how to handle a situation, period. He was a great inspiration for me. I have to thank him for a lot. My mother is also a big mentor for me. My mom’s a teacher. I was taught to serve, to give to people. That’s what you’re supposed to do. Without getting tied up in personal beliefs, I like to serve and help. Putting others first, not yourself, is a big deal to me. I have three sisters. I’m the baby. I take it as a blessing being the baby because I got to learn from all them. They all had a hand in raising me up. They’re great sisters. I have a great boss here, Jennifer (Edwards). She’s a really great coach and mentor. She shows me the ropes and she steps back. I feel like I’m in good hands. What do you do in your spare time? I have a sister here and a cousin. And I’m only two hours away from home. I have a dog, Ginger; she’s my baby. She’s a boxer-pit mix. She’s so pretty... I have a cosmetology license. I love to do hair on the side. I love being in a salon.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 • 11

The News

Man on the Street What are you giving up for Lent?

Arlene Anderson

Joshua Hudson

Steve Hester

Joseph Kaparampil

Jordan Kelechek

Arlene Anderson is giving up fish since she normally does not eat meat.

CFUMC’s youth minister the Rev. Joshua Hudson, son Jackson, and wife Jennifer are embarking on a three day juice fast and trying to ween out any processed foods and fast foods.

CFUMC’s Music Minister Steve Hester is giving up talk radio and replacing it with Christian and classical music.

Joseph Kaparampil is giving up meat.

Georgia Cyber Academy student Jordan Kelechek is giving up television and replacing it with additional Bible reading.

Jessica Smith

Community Calendar Please note the Calendar deadline for Saturday’s paper is noon Thursday. Email events to news@ rockdalenews.com.

Relief, which operates food pantry and relief servcies; $50 per ticket; sponsorships available; RSVP by Feb. 18 to irene. moore@rockdalerelief.org

SATURDAY, FEB. 21

TUESDAY, FEB. 24

Tree Top Excursions 1 p.m. Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climbing, Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, GA; use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity; register in advance; $15 plus $5 parking; 770-389-7801.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22 Black History Observance Day 11 AM; Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers; celebrating Black History Day; 770-9293421.

Walk the Red Carpet for RER 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Acuity People Center, One LIthonia Way; Hollywood themed gala fundraiser for Rockdale Emergency

Preschool Pops 10 a.m., Feb. 24 and 26; Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St; $3 per child, adults free; Puppeteer David Stephens, “New Adventures of --Brer Rabbit”; Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts, 770-922-3143, www.conyersarts.org

Rockdale Retired Educators 11:30 a.m.; at Rockdale Baptist Church, 1295 Smyrna Rd.; speaker John Mitchell from the Historic Oakland Cemetery; Reservations required for lunch; helensteve25@bellsouth.net, 770-483-6808

FRIDAY, FEB. 27 Free movie night at library 5:30 p.m.; Nancy Guinn Library, 864

Green St.; “42” film on the life of baseball great Jackie Robinson; Refreshments provided; free.

itygrowth.org or 770-813-3370.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 Spartan Race

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Preschool Pops 10 a.m., March 3, 5; Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main St; $3 per child, adults free; Brenda Bean Parrot Productions; Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts, 770-922-3143, www.conyersarts.org

Rockdale Special Olympics meeting 6-8 pm; 1400 Parker Rd; Cece Hart 770-378-1318, Rockdalespecialolympics.net

State of the County Breakfast 8 a.m.; Springfield Baptist Church atrium, 1877 Iris Drive, Conyers; County Commission Chairman Richard Oden presents vision of county; $25 per person or $250 for a table of 10; Registration is required, at www.councilforqualitygrowth.org or ac@councilforqual-

8 a.m. - 3 p.m. March 7, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. March 8; at Ga. Int’l Horse Park Steeplechase Field; 3-5 mile race covering terrain and obstacles; $45-90 entry; $25 spectators; $10 parking; www. SpartanRace.com; us@spartan.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

and Charles P. Cole Citizen Involvement award; free

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 Rock on Rockdale 5K/Fun Run 7:30 a.m. registration, 8:30 a.m. fun run, 9 a.m. 5K; 1400 Parker Road; 4th annual fundraiser for Rockdale Special Olympics; Registration by March 4 $20 individual/$70 family of four; $24/$80 after; erikasellers@comcast.net, 770833-0907

Rockdale Cares fundraiser

Peachtree Acad.Open House

6:30 p.m.; Epiphany Lutheran, 2375 Hwy 20 SE; 37th annual fundraiser, “Luck of the Irish;” $40 per person; casual dress; RSVP by March 7, rockdalecares.org

10am - noon, Feb. 7, March 14; Pre-Kindergarten -12th grade; informational program and tour of the school, including visits to the classrooms to meet teachers.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

St. Patrick’s Day 0.1 mile Endurance Run

State of the County address, Charles P Cole award 6 p.m.; J.P. Carr Services Community Room, 981 Taylor St.; State of the County

Held by the Rockdale Rotary Club at the Olde Town Conyers World’s Fastest Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival (see page 14)

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Sports

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 Page 12 rockdalenews.com

BACK and better than ever Brown playing lights out in first full year on varsity

Anthony Banks/The News

Anthony Banks/The Rockdale Newa

Left: Dwayne Brown helps up teammate Connor Ferrell in region championship game against Tucker. Above: Brown attacks the basket against Tucker.

By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

enior forward Dwayne Brown lit up Cleveland Stroud gym on Wednesday to the tune of 26 points and 13 rebounds in a 60-56 win that put Rockdale in the sweet 16 of the state playoffs. Brown was named first team All-region this year, his first time playing varsity for a full season. Yet, ust a year-in-a-half ago Brown couldn’t even walk. After a playing JV as a freshman, Brown, in a testament to

his talent, was set to play varsity as a sophomore. “I was in 10th grade. You know, 10th grade about to play varsity, happy and everything. We go into our first scrimmage against Arabia Mountain and we’re warming up and everything. I try do a little twist thing and my back, it hurt. I had a sharp pain in my lower right back,” Brown said. Brown would play minimally in that game. He started taking painkillers in preparation for the team’s opening game, but his back was still bothering

him. Brown played in just two regular season games that season. He eventually went to the doctor to find out that he had huge back spasms, so Brown sat out a while, but it only got worse. At a practice, Brown says he attempted to run and his back started hurting. He couldn’t run. He tried to play JV, but he couldn’t. “For two weeks I couldn’t even walk. So I was at the house laying down for two weeks because I couldn’t even walk,” Brown said. “Come to find

out I got scoliosis and this disease called discitis and we go through the summer and I’m still dealing with it. It takes me until I’m about to go to 11th grade. The summer it was like, ‘We’re going to schedule a surgery.’ I got surgery on August 22 and it was a six month recovery, I had to wear a brace for three months.” Brown sat out his junior year, but in March of 2014, he was back to playing basketball. Brown started playing AAU, playing with his trainer Dominique Cooper and with Team Eat.

“He just pushed me. Made me work hard. I had to lose weight, work hard and everything,” Brown said. “I wasn’t as athletic as I was when I was in 10th grade, ninth grade. I had to work on getting better. This is the game I love so I mean you just can’t quit because something’s in front of you.” Brown worked his butt off and shed a lot of weight. “I could dunk still because I was tall, but I wasn’t athletic, jumping and stuff. So we’d do

See Brown, Page 13

Sports

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 Page 12 rockdalenews.com

BACK and better than ever Brown playing lights out in first full year on varsity

Anthony Banks/The News

Anthony Banks/The Rockdale Newa

Left: Dwayne Brown helps up teammate Connor Ferrell in region championship game against Tucker. Above: Brown attacks the basket against Tucker.

By Shakeem Holloway

sholloway@rockdalenews.com

See Brown, Page 13

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From Page 12 vert training. After every workout we’d do vert training. Then we’d just get in the gym get like 400/500 shots up and we’d just work from there. And I was just losing weight constantly,” Brown said. He didn’t quit, he lost weight and now he’s back as a 6-foot-6 forward and one of the cornerstones of Rockdale’s “big three.” “Last year being the assistant coach I used to just see Dwayne on the side, he’ll come to practice everyday and he’ll just shoot and shoot and shoot. I really didn’t know what a gem we had in him until we saw him during the summer,” Tyrone King, Bulldogs’ head coach, said. “In the summer he was just fantastic. He can get to the basket and then I didn’t realize he could shoot like he could so just having him added with this group here it just made a different dynamic here at Rockdale and that’s why we’re 21-and-7 right now.” “It’s funny because during the summer we had him playing a lot of the three and he probably didn’t rebound like he should have, but now he’s bought into we can’t win without him rebounding. He’s posting double-doubles night in and night out. He had

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 • 13 26 and 13 or something like that [Wednesday night],” King said. “He’s just upped his game and I think raised the stock because he can rebound. He can play with his back to the basket and he can also play out on the perimeter, but he’s been fitting in nicely with what we need him to do and that’s get it to the basket. If we needed him to shoot the three, he’ll definitely come out and do it.” Brown, who’s averaging 13 points and seven rebounds per game according to maxpreps. com, is the third scoring option on the team behind Connor Ferrell and Jalen Jordan. One opposing coach thinks Brown is the team’s most important player. King seems to share that sentiment, as he thinks Brown can play the three at the next level. “Every camp we went to he dominated in both positions, inside and outside on the offensive end,” King said. “He could be our first option on offense and sometimes he is our first option. Versus Newton, it was a point in the game we needed scoring. When we played (Newton) here our second time they held Jalen Jordan to five points. Well, in the third quarter [Brown] knocked down three threes because teams don’t see that every night,” King said. “Then last night in the state tournament game, he hit 26 points, but everything was inside and he mixed in a couple

baseline jumpers and he hit one three pointer here and there.” Brown is an elite all-around player. He’s a good rebounder, he has a solid post game and he can score from pretty much anywhere on the court. There probably isn’t a system he couldn’t fit into at the next level. “I don’t count myself as a scorer much,” Brown said. “My offensive game for this team is pretty much getting the ball, cutting through the lane, taking it from the wing to the basket, sometimes getting in the post, sometimes catching mid-range, sometimes shooting some threes. Any available scoring I can do.” As Brown continues to help Rockdale on its state championship run, he’ll have to wait until after the season to find out where he’s going and if there are any Division-1 teams that might want the All-region forward. King says there are currently some schools looking at Brown, but he hopes to get a few big schools on the line at some point down the line. “I’m just thankful for having Dwayne. It’s a blessing to have him on the team,” King said. “The only real thing that I’m kind of sad about, he really didn’t get those looks that other kids get during their junior year. Everything’s come to form this year so whoever gets Dwayne on the next level, they’ll be getting a real steal.”

RCHS Athlete of the week: Dwayne Brown

Dwayne Brown put up 26 and 13 against in a win against Valdosta on Wednesday and he had 14 points in last week’s region tournament championship game.